Determine keywords

Once you have determined your research topic and sub-concepts, look for alternative terms for each sub-concept. Alternative keywords may include:

  • Synonyms and perhaps antonyms;
  • Jargon and lay terms;
  • Translations: consider Dutch-English translations as well as Latin names.
  • Spelling variations (for translations into English: remember that there are different spellings in British and American English);
  • Abbreviations and hyphenated terms;
  • Broader and narrower terms;
  • Related terms ( e.g. 'evacuation' is a related term of 'natural disaster');
  • Singular and plural

Watch out for homonyms, i.e. words with multiple meanings!

Next, list the keywords found, as in the example below:

 

Built environment Person with Intellectual Disabilities Well-being
architecture PIMD Quality of Life
residential care facility mentally challenged QoL
residential care facilities mentally disabled Wellbeing
care home mentally impaired perceived quality of life
nursing home Autism
... ... ...

Dictionaires and thesauri

Using a thesaurus, glossary or dictionary will help you come up with new keywords for your query in databases and on the Web. In a thesaurus you will find:

  • Definitions of concepts
  • Broader terms: more general concepts
  • Narrower terms: more specific concepts
  • Related concepts

Minilecture keywords

Useful links and resources

 

If you have questions, please contact the Information Specialist Research of your research center, or go to support & contact for more information and advice. 

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